With deep roots in South Carolina, New River Bluegrass has become known for their traditional, faith centered musical approach. The group’s latest release, Working Man, brings together themes of hard work, heritage, and biblical truth through each of the album’s twelve tracks.
The opening track, Scene of the Crime, by Mike Owens and James Payne, tells of the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross for all of us, and what that sacrifice symbolizes.
Another Owens and Payne original, The Hill I Run To, talks of turning to God in times of struggle and uncertainty. This particular track is evidence of the strong vocal harmonies New River Bluegrass can deliver. The group consists of Andy Smith on lead guitar and vocals, Barry Long on banjo, resophonic guitar, and vocals, Mike Mullins on mandolin and vocals, Mike Johnson on rhythm guitar and vocals, Chuck Price on fiddle and vocals, Gary Rogers on lead mandolin, and Dwayne Brown on bass.
The Lamb, The Lion and the King will be most familiar to bluegrass listeners through the rendition recorded by Volume Five on their 2018 album, Milestones. While New River Bluegrass sticks fairly closely to Volume Five’s arrangement, it provides us yet another example of their dynamic vocal work.
Ode To Glassy Mountain, written by Barry Long, is a dark tip of the hat to a mysterious place located in his hometown. With a fascinating lyrical narrative, this track also shows Long’s strong abilities as a reso-guitarist. Walking Again is another Long original which tells the redemption story of Peter, who denied Jesus three times following Jesus’ arrest. With words of forgiveness, this song contains a powerfully uplifting message.
The title track, Working Man, is by far the strongest selection on this project. Written by Alan Wayne Baker, this song tells of a man who lives with perseverance, determination, and a strong faith in God.
Having formed nearly two decades ago, New River Bluegrass continually refines their craft with every recording. Working Man brings us a combination of great stories and uplifting messages that will leave the listener with positivity and gratefulness.
